Drying-frame.



AUGUSTA FINGADO, OF WAUWATOSA, WISCGNSIN.

DRYING-FRAIVIE.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Unt. 22, 191%.

Application filed December 11, 1916. Serial No. 136,176.

To all 'whom t may concern.'

Be it known that AUGUSTA FiNGADo a citizen of the United States, residing at Wauwatosa, county of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Drying-Frames, of which the following is a specication.

My invention relates to improvements in drying frames, with particular reference to that class of frames which are employed to support curtains in a stretched position while being dried after a washing operation. The object of my invention is to provide means whereby curtains of differing sizes may be interchangeably supported, not only at their margins but at intermediate points.

It is well understood that owing to the delicate texture of ordinary window curtains it is diiiicult to wash and dry them without tearing the fabric at various points. The fabric cannot be ironed without spoiling its appearance or injuring or tearing it, and if hung upon a line Vtor the purpose of drying it, asis done with ordinary fabrics or articles of clothing, the curtains become wrinkled and distorted in shape. It has therefore heretofore been customary to fasten a supporting sheet of suitable fabric upon a floor, or to a rug or carpet, and then pin the curtain thereto in a stretched position, the stretching operation preventing distortion. This method is inconvenient and laborious and the curtain is likely to become again soiled while thus stretched upon a floor for drying purposes. The use of the room Where the drying operation takes place is also prevented, so far as other purposes or operations are concerned. My invention provides convenient means for attaching, supporting and stretching curtains, under such conditions `as to occupy minimum space in the drying room, and prevent the curtains `from being damaged or soiled during a drying operation; also to support the curtains in ak position convenient for repairs, either during or iminediately following thedrying operation.'

My invention also contemplates the provision of portable apparatus which can be easily moved, adjusted in position most convenient for use, or folded for storage pur poses and for transportation from one point to another.

ln the drawings:

Figure l is a perspective view of curtain supporting and stretching apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a detail view in horizontal section showing means for rigidly connecting the hinged frames.

Fig. 3 is a detail View showing a fragment of one frame and its supporting brace in vertical section.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view showing a portion of the supporting screen, and one corner of a curtain connected therewith.

Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the clamps employed to secure the curtains to the supporting screen.

Fig. 6 is a detail view showing a fragment of a set of curtain frames formed of tubing, and a modified forni of hinge for connecting the same with each other.

Like parts are identified by the saine reference characters throughout the several views.

A set of rectangular frames A, A and A are formed of any suitable material (either wood or metal) and are connected with each other by hinges B, of any suitable type.

A strip of netting C covers, or is applied, to each frame with its margins secured to the respective frame bars, preferably on all sides. A screen of non-corrosive netting may be employed, if desired. rThe netting is preferably of coarse mesh, whereby clothes pins or other fastening devices may be readily manipulated to secure the curtain thereto, substantially as shown in Fig. A, in which clamping clothes pins D are employed to connect the margins of a curtain E with the strands of a wire net C. If desired, other fastenings such, for example, as safety pins F may be employed at intermediate points, particularly if the curtain is old and weak and requires intermediate support to prevent it from tearing.

The netting furnishes a substantially unlimited number of points of attachment at short distances from each other throughout the entire area inclosed by the frame. It is therefore possible to support curtains of any CII size or length, not exceeding the combined area of the set of frames. If desired also, a curtain of greater size may be supported by folding it and applying it to the frames in superposed layers, each of which may be stretched under uniform tension throughout, since each layer may be connected with the netting at any desired point.

The frames may be supported in araised rigidly secured together by slide bolts F adapted to be adjusted in tubular sockets f, across the joint between the frames and on the opposite side from thatoccupied by the hinges B, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

Where the frames are provided With tubular frame bars or frame bars formed of metal tubing, they may be conveniently connected with each other by a set of clamping members G, G', formed to partially embrace the tubular rods or bars, and secured together by a single bolt H and clamping thumb nut H. By loosening the thumb nut slightly the frames may be folded upon each other for storage or t'ansportation, Whereas by tightening' the thumb nut the frames may be rigidly connectedwvith each other When adjusted in curtain supporting position. rlhe netting may be secure-d to such frames in any desired manner, preferably by Winding the margins of the net around the frame bar, as illustrated at C in Fig. (5.

It Will be obvious-that a curtain supported upon my improved frame is held in position, whereby convenient access may be had to all portions thereof for the purpose of repairs or for conveniently connecting it with the netting at intermediate points, if desired. t is also obvious that the operation of clamping the curtain to the netting may be much more conveniently performed with the frames in a raised position than in cases where the curtain is mounted upon a horizontal support.

I claim:

l. A'dryingapparatus for curtains, comprising a set ofconnected frame bars, a. net ting spanningthe spaces between saidbars, and removable clamping devices adapted to simultaneously engage both the netting and t-he curtain at any desired points, for con- Where thel necting curtains to said netting, together With a b ace secured to the upper portion of the frame on the rear side, and adapted to support said frame in a raised position.

2. A curtain drying apparatus comprising the combination With a set of frames flexibly Ijointed with each other, braces adapted to support said frames in an inclined position and in a common plane, non-corrosive netting spanning` the spaces between the frame bars, and means forsecuring curtains to said netting at any points, said frames being arranged to provide continuous supportino` surfaces on the curtain receiving side, adapted to permit a single curtain to be stretched across a series of frames.

curtain drying apparatus comprising the combination with a set offrames flexibly p jointed with each other, braces adapted to Vsupport said frames in an inclined position and in a` common plane, non-corrosive netting spanning the spaces between the frame bars, and means for securing curtains tov said netting atany desired points, said frames being adapted to be folded one upon another for transportation or storage, and said braces being also adapted to be folded againstisaid frames.

4. A curtain drying apparatus including the combination with a series of frames, hinges connecting said frames with each other, and adapted to permit the frames to be folded one upon another, means for rigidly locking said-frames together in extended position, netting secured tothe frames and spanning the spaces betvveenthe frame bars, andmeans for securingei'irtains to any desired portion of said netting.

A curtain drying apparatus comprising y the combination with a supporting frame, provided. with folding braces, ofy a non-corrosive screen spanning the spaces between said frame bars and connected thereto, and fastenings adapted tosecure a curtain to said screen at any desired point through out` its area, said-screen being formed of suiiiciently coarse mesh" to permit convenf lent manipulation of clothes pins through the spaces bet-Ween the strands of the screen',

whereby the clamping of the curtain to such strands is facilitated.

ln testimony whereof IV my signature in the presence of tvvo Witnesses.` l

AUGUSTA FINGADO. Witnesses VVLHELM Wonroun, F.' E. LovELAND.

Copies-of -this patent may be obtainedlfor five `cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of` Eatenta. Washington, DJG. 

